Job Description

The post holder will play a vital role in supporting registered nurses and the wider clinical team in delivering high standards of patient care within the Endoscopy Department. They will contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the service by undertaking specialised decontamination duties and ensuring compliance with departmental protocols and national standards.

Main job summary:

To assist and support the registered nurses in providing high standards of care, whilst supporting the efficient running of the Endoscopy Department . To undertake decontamination sciences duties under indirect supervision of the Decontamination team leader in providing a specialised decontamination of medical devices service contributing to the clinical care of the patients. To carry out the receipt, disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, inspection, packing, sterilisation of reusable medical devices. Record all tasks in the Healthcare Science Information System (tracking and tracing) database. Work in accordance with the Department's Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management System. To work within the boundaries of their existing and developing skills at all times. The post holder is expected to maintain high standards of care, managing their time, tasks and resources effectively. The role involves exposure to blood and body fluids. The post holder will work to ensure that endoscopy specific guidelines and protocols are adhered to and JAG standards are maintained

Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.



Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.



We continually invest in our facilities, including a 30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an 80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.



We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.



We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.



If you haven't heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probation. Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.



Key responsibilities



To work in accordance with Departmental Quality Policy, Standard Operating procedures and Quality management System.

To reprocess reusable medical devices:

disassemble, clean, disinfect, inspect, assemble, sterilise, dispatch and track in a control environment.

To provide advice and training to Apprentice decontamination technician, trainee nurses and HCA.



To provide a collection and delivery services to Department's customers



To inform the Decontamination team leader of any raw material shortages and ensure stock is located.



Under limited supervision meet the demands of the Department's workload whilst consistently achieving high quality standards which will be measured by in-process check and non-conformance report.



To undertake initial investigation into non-conformances reports as instructed.



To use manual dexterity and concentration for the disassembly of the reusable medical devices with accordance with the Manufacturer's instructions



To operate decontamination equipment and carry out routine tests in accordance with Quality Standards and Guidance



To communicate with enquiries from users and other members of healthcare staff in a polite and helpful manner, seeking scientific advice where required



To undertake duties consistent with the responsibility of the grade and needs of the service.



Prepare and maintain high standards of cleanliness in the working environment



Prepare and maintain consultation/examination/procedure rooms for use ensuring that necessary equipment, information/documentation are available at all times



Assist in the preparation of notes and documents for patient lists



Be able to assist the endoscopist with a range of diagnostic procedures performed in the endoscopy unit.



Be familiar with, and work to, the protocols and policies of the endoscopy department and trust policies



Accurately record & file patient information



Transport specimens, test requests, notes or any charts as requested



Provide patient care/treatment as directed by the registered nurse and in accordance with the boundaries of assessed competency to support the patient's treatment plan



Provide support to staff and patients during endoscopy procedures



Be capable of ensuring that equipment is in working order and report faults accordingly.



Escort patients to other wards/departments as required



Encourage users to give feedback on their experience



Protect and maintain patient confidentiality at all times in line with trust polices



Undertake delegated duties as directed by the registered nurse



Deal with all enquiries politely and effectively in all circumstances and seek support from a registered nurse as appropriate



Undertake extended skills specific to individual competence under the indirect supervision of the registered nurse



To be responsible for reporting incidents and potential risks to the sister / charge nurse



Key working relationships



Gastrointestinal Physicians

Colorectal Consultants

Head of Decontamination

Lead Nurse for Endoscopy

Decontamination Team Leader

Senior and Specialist Nurses

Other diagnostic team

Department of Nursing



Roles and responsibilities



1.0 Scientific and Technical



To contribute to developing the service to ensure that delivery of medical device decontamination is safe, effective and follows best practice.

To contribute to developing the service to ensure that delivery of medical device decontamination is safe, effective and follows best practice.

To maintain high standards of department safety ensuring the health, safety and welfare of self and others

To demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within defined timescales

To refer appropriate issues and to raise uncertainties with senior staff

To maintain security of the Decontamination Department(s), equipment and chemicals in accordance with the Department's Policy.

To actively participate in the Organisation's appraisal system and personal development planning process in accordance with Organisation's Policy.

To ensure safe handling of transportation trolleys and reusable medical



2.0 Education and Training



To maintain compliance to all statutory and mandatory training as defined by the organisation and service needs.

To comply with the Department's training programme and undertake training in line with the development of the post, as agreed with line manager.

To continually develop and maintain a portfolio of evidence of training and CPD activities.

To have an understanding of the Department's Quality Policy, Quality Manual and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure that a high standard of work is maintained at all times.

To be familiar with data protection and Caldecott issues relating to the use and storage of patient information

To assist in the training of other decontamination personnel to perform tasks as directed by the Decontamination Team Leader.

To maintain and be able to use IT systems



3.0 Infection Control



Demonstrate knowledge of infection control techniques and hand hygiene

Demonstrate knowledge of safe disposal of sharps into appropriate container

Understand universal safety techniques with regard to spillages

Keep all areas clean, tidy and in good order

Report any faulty or broken equipment to the manager, label a



4.0 Professional Development



Ensure mandatory training and a satisfactory appraisal is in date

Undertake a professional development plan and demonstrate achievement of objectives

Ensure adherence to Trust policy and JAG guidelines at all times

Role model Trust values at all times.



5.0 Communication



Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.

Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions.



This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and his/her manager.



All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.



All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.